| Distribution |
Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific. Depth range 10-500 m (usually 50-200 m). One species (Malacanthus latovittatus) may be found in both marine and brackish water (Goldie River, New Guinea).(Ref. 8991). One relatively long dorsal fin; total dorsal fin rays 22-64. Relatively long anal fin; 1 or 2 weak spines; soft rays 14-56. Top of head with or without cutaneous ridge. Operculum with one blunt or sharp spine. Branchiostegal rays 6. Truncate, double emarginate, emarginate to forked caudal fin. Vertebrae 24, 25, or 27 (precaudal 10 or 11). Larvae with elaborate spines (elongated and serrate) on the head and scale (Ref. 8991). All species live in a burrow, some in a large rubble mound of their own construction, in pairs or colonies. They feed on benthic invertebrates or zoopankton. Assumed to be nonguarders (RF). Most aquarium specimens are collected with poison and soon die. According to Dooley 1978 (Ref. 8991), the tilefishes are comprised of two morphologically different and evolutionary distinct groups and are distinct enough to be separate families [Branchiostegidae: with genera Branchiostegus, Lopholatilus, Caulolatilus and Malacanthidae: with genera Hoplolatilus and Malacanthus]. |
Flagtail Tilefish 